HE SAID:
Joe Morris
Staff Writer
As a rule of thumb, guys usually refrain from watching any movie or television show with the word “wedding” in the title. Perhaps that is why it is a bit odd to choose a movie with a title that promises at least four weddings.
The producers try to throw off men in the beginning by adding a funeral as well, but the they should not be fooled.
At the start of the film, one cannot help but notice the unique way in which the director chooses to introduce two of the main characters. It is a little known fact that movies can begin by using “the mother of all curse words” (as Ralphie of “A Christmas Story” would say) six times before any other lines are spoken, and this film performs the task masterfully.
To make a long story short, the remainder of the film is little more than a slew of drunken revelry and debauchery. These concepts are skillfully tied together with a storyline based on, yes, lots and lots of weddings.
However, don’t forget about the funeral. Based on the title, there has to be one, so if one is thoroughly bored but is committed to finishing the movie, they can entertain themselves by trying to guess which character will meet an untimely end.
Although this event has little to do with the actual storyline, it is strongly recommended to apply this approach when watching the movie, simply because it provides a much needed distraction from everything else.
It was refreshing to note that the movie did indeed deliver on its promise of providing exactly four weddings and one funeral (count them on a tally sheet at home). However, this positive aspect did not seem to counter-balance the boredom of actually watching this promise unfold.
All in all, checking out this film is not recommended for baby-sitting small children, enjoying a movie night with the guys, or making new friends at a church sleepover. However, due to the uncanny directing and more importantly 95-minute length, it would be an excellent choice for gentlemen who find themselves obligated to sit through a “girly movie” with that special lady.
SHE SAID
Monika Schulte
Staff Writer
When this movie debuted in 1994, most of the students now at Pepperdine were between the ages of 8 and 12, their minds too impressionable for parents to deem the viewing of this film as acceptable entertainment. Adults had good reason to keep their junior high child’s mind clear of the foul language and unapologetic abandonment of romantic moral guidelines found in the flick. But now, as mature college students, it is most likely safe to watch and not have established principles be irreparably affected. Overall, the movie is enjoyable for its cute British accents and meaningful, original story line.
Supported by a group of friends who are all single, Charles (Hugh Grant) is a regular wedding attendee, but always for his friends’ weddings and never his own. During a toast as best man, Charles claims that marriage is not for him and never will be. A notorious date-‘em-and-leave-‘em figure (when are Grant’s characters ever not?), Charles changes his tune upon meeting a dazzling American, Carrie (Andie McDowell), who is even more promiscuous than himself.
Just when one would think justice or fate would take place and these two lovers would find happiness in each other’s unfaithful arms, it is revealed that Carrie is engaged to a Scotsman who’s twice her age, and the third ceremony is meant for her. A lifetime of marital bliss and passionate love scenes for the two appears to be indefinitely postponed. Or so it seems.
Amidst the uncertainty of the sensibleness of most marriages and the mystery of ever finding “the one,” the film provides an abrupt reality with the inevitability of death and often divorce. It is not all about the fairy tale of weddings, as life is not either – a popular misconception among characters in the film and in real life.
The film is clever, engaging and was released before Hugh Grant’s odd and unfortunate incident with the prostitute, making it slightly less creepy to enjoy him here. Getting past the use of profanity as quirkiness and other moral offenses is doable, and the movie rates a check-out for its fine acting, English humor and worthwhile message.
10-07-2004